Amazfit update adds swimming and rowing features to rival Garmin watches

Amazfit has released a software update that adds new fitness and workout features to a range of its smartwatches, giving users more control over activities such as swimming, indoor rowing and GPS-based training.

The update aims to improve Amazfit watches’ workout tracking and adds several practical features to make training easier. The changes include more detailed swimming data, support for compatible indoor rowing machines and new settings that can automatically prepare an exercise watch.

The improvements could make Amazfit’s watches more competitive with Garmin’s higher-priced, fitness-focused devices. The company already offers a broad selection of fitness trackers and smartwatches, including affordable models and more advanced options aimed at serious athletes.

Swimming and rowing receive major upgrades

One of the most notable additions is improved support for pool swimming. Amazfit watches that receive the update can now record manual rest periods during a swimming session, allowing users to distinguish between time spent exercising and time spent recovering more clearly.

Swimming and rest periods are recorded separately, giving users a better overview of how their session was structured. The swimming portions are also organised according to stroke type, which could make the resulting workout data more useful for people who want to review their technique and training intensity.

The changes are particularly useful for swimmers who regularly pause between sets or drills. Rather than treating the entire pool session as continuous activity, the watch can now provide a clearer representation of when the user was actively swimming and when they were resting.

Indoor rowing has also received an important upgrade. Amazfit devices covered by the update can now connect to FTMS-compatible rowing machines, including the Concept2 RowErg. Once connected, users can view workout information in real time while exercising.

Real-time data can be useful during indoor rowing sessions because it allows users to monitor their performance without stopping or switching between devices. The addition also expands the range of fitness equipment that can interact directly with Amazfit watches.

New workout controls make training easier

Alongside the improvements in swimming and rowing, Amazfit has introduced several features to make everyday workouts more convenient. One of these is a touchscreen lock designed to prevent accidental touches during exercise.

Touchscreen interference can be particularly frustrating during workouts, when sweat, water or movement can cause unintended inputs. The new lock lets users prevent accidental changes while focusing on their training.

Another addition is a feature called Athlete Defaults. It allows users to establish a preferred set of workout settings that are automatically applied when a training session begins. This reduces the need to configure the same options before every workout manually.

Athlete Defaults can enable Do Not Disturb, turn off workout alerts and set GPS to maximum precision. These settings are intended to create a more consistent training experience, particularly for users who prefer to follow the same configuration for most outdoor workouts.

The combination of these smaller improvements and the larger activity-tracking changes could make Amazfit watches more practical for people who train regularly. Instead of focusing solely on adding new sports modes, the update also addresses everyday frustrations that can arise when using a smartwatch during exercise.

Amazfit expands competition with Garmin

The software update is being made available across a wide selection of Amazfit’s smartwatch range. Supported models include the Balance Ultra, Balance 3, T-Rex Ultra 2, T-Rex 3 Pro, T-Rex 3, Cheetah 2 Ultra, Cheetah 2 Pro and Active 3 Premium.

The broad rollout means the improvements are not limited to a single flagship model. Owners of watches across Amazfit’s range can benefit from the new features, making the update particularly significant for the wider product line.

The Active 3 Premium is also among the supported devices. The model has previously received strong reviews for combining fitness capabilities with a comparatively affordable price, and the additional software features could further strengthen its appeal.

The update also highlights the increasingly competitive nature of the smartwatch market. Garmin has traditionally been a strong choice for users seeking detailed sports and training features, but Amazfit has continued to add capabilities that narrow the difference between the two brands.

Features such as improved swimming analysis, connected rowing equipment and automated workout settings could make Amazfit watches more appealing to athletes who want advanced tracking without necessarily moving to a more expensive device.

For consumers comparing fitness-focused smartwatches, the choice between Amazfit and Garmin may therefore become less straightforward. Amazfit’s latest software improvements give its current devices more tools for structured training, while the wide rollout means existing owners can gain new capabilities without replacing their watches.

The update ultimately shows how software can extend the usefulness of an existing smartwatch. Rather than relying only on new hardware, Amazfit is adding features that improve workout tracking and simplify training across several models in its current range.